We cannot all succeed, when half of us are held back. – Malala Yousafzai

Somewhere in between being raised by a very strong mother and having two daughters of my own, I’ve become a bit fired up about all things WOMAN.

When I was 16 and my girlfriends and I found out about International Women’s Day, we put together homemade girl power outfits and decked ourselves out in pink. It was teen self-expression at its finest.

Years later, I went to Romania to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. I’ll never forget how all the men gave women carnations on the day, and treated them extra special.

Now that I am a mother, I share a bond with a new group of women. From the moment I gave birth, I felt like I joined a secret club that was a mystery until I myself experienced the loneliness and exhaustion of new, raw, motherhood. It has been an empowering journey getting to know fellow women on very vulnerable level, and has truly sealed the deal for me: I am SO proud to be a woman.

From strangers at the grocery store to local friends making a difference, I am constantly inspired by women around me. It’s true what they say — women truly make the world go ’round!

International Women’s Day is the perfect time to spend some time reflecting on what it means to be a woman, and look back on far our gender has come. However, we shouldn’t just limit our girl power to just one day.

Discuss history. Does your child know that women once were not treated as equals in our country? How about that we once were restricted to living outdoors while menstruating? Or that we weren’t allowed to wear pants and had to stuff ourselves into uncomfortable corsets and skirts? While we are lucky to be alive this day in age, we still have a ways to go to propel us even further.

Reach out to women who have made a difference in your life. We all benefit from lifting each other up. If you had a strong female influence from someone, whether it’s your own mother or a friend, tell them how much they mean to you.

Watch great girl power films. Films with a strong female lead are uplifting and serve as a great reminder to our daughters that we can do anything. A few recent favorites include the Queen of Katwe and Hidden Figures.

Donate to a local women’s shelter — either monetary or with goods. This is an easy way to think of our sisters that may be struggling or recovering from violence or abuse. Call your local women’s shelter and see what they need. Many are in need of hygiene items, baby items and more. {Two of my local favorites are LACASA and HAVEN of Oakland County.}

Support female-owned businesses. Whether it’s buying home decor from an awesome momprenuer Etsy shop or stopping in to a local female-owned boutique, supporting female entrepreneurs is a fantastic way to show how women impact our economy.

Make a collage vision board. No matter your age, creating a board with goals is not only fun but the perfect visual for helping you to achieve your dreams. While it may feel silly with a young kiddo who probably just wants to eat desserts and win a million dollars, try to get deep to uncover their desires and encourage them to shoot for the stars.

Invest time with yourself and others you love. Whether you are a mother, daughter, sister or girlfriend, it’s safe to say most of us are spread thin after being caretakers. Take time to just celebrate the fact that you are a woman! Read a book. Call a girlfriend. Tell your mother you love and appreciate her.

Whatever you choose to do today and everyday to celebrate girl power, do it with pride. Being a woman ROCKS!